The sky is blue today, the sun feels warm on my face and the world is springing into new life with all the exuberance we expect at this time of year. From our front porch I can see a steady stream of people out walking or cycling. It’s hard to imagine that we are in… Continue reading Mothering in uncertain times – Mothers’ Day March 22 2020
Kids out of school…survival tips for heroic mums – March 2020
Our family loves watching the classic BBC comedy “Dad’s Army”. It appeals through a ten year age range between oldest and youngest child and makes us all laugh out loud. One of the most quoted phrases is “Don’t panic!” exclaimed by a delightful elderly gent whilst rushing round in circles, doing just that. I feel… Continue reading Kids out of school…survival tips for heroic mums – March 2020
Out and about Learning – Gloucester – March 2020
It was Rhythm Dude’s birthday last week end and as part of the celebrations we packed ourselves, picnic lunches, rucksacks and a cooker into the van and headed north to meet up with one of his best friends. HWH and the three boys set out walking for the day, and the girls and I found… Continue reading Out and about Learning – Gloucester – March 2020
Our Adoption Journey – Introductions 1 – 2020
It’s hard to put into words the level of excitement, apprehension, anticipation and relief which I felt prior to meeting each of our daughters. The build up had been immense. We had gone through lengthy, detailed and sometimes rather intrusive assessments followed by Adoption Panel. Then, with our first daughter, whose story now follows, another… Continue reading Our Adoption Journey – Introductions 1 – 2020
Time Out – February 2020
We’ve had two storms in quick succession here in the UK and in the midst of the second one, we all headed down to Devon for a few days. The gale force winds and driving rain enforced the rest we all badly needed. We spent the first two days tucked away consuming copious cups of… Continue reading Time Out – February 2020
Our adoption journey – adopting as a family – February 2020
Adoption has always been on my radar, but I think it resurfaced with intent while I was in labour for our second son. I remember yelling out “we’re going to adopt the next one!”. I wonder what turns a flippant and easily excusable remark into a seed which will bear fruit? I’m sure there are… Continue reading Our adoption journey – adopting as a family – February 2020
Home ed to the world of work – February 2020
I recently had a delightful half hour sorting through some of the boys' old homeschool folders. Memories flooded back of outings taken, stories read, projects completed. It was fascinating to chart not only their changing abilities as each year progressed, but also their interests and perspectives. We had such a lot of fun learning together.… Continue reading Home ed to the world of work – February 2020
Wells – A City of Bells – Part 2
Welcome to the second instalment of my wander around Elizabeth Goudge's Wells, as some of us read along with @elizabethgoudgebookclub. If you've missed the first post you can check it out here Wells - “A City of Bells” - Part 1 We're beginning our journey today in the market place, where the bus, with Jocelyn… Continue reading Wells – A City of Bells – Part 2
Wells – “A City of Bells” – Part 1
The city of Wells in Somerset, is the smallest city in England. I’ve lived within in its environs for about thirty years, so it holds lots of precious memories for me. It is still one of my favourite places to visit, each season offering some new perspective. Elizabeth Goudge's delightful book, "The City of Bells"… Continue reading Wells – “A City of Bells” – Part 1
Christmas – 2019
We're half way through the twelve days of Christmas with HWH and Lanky Dude starting back to work tomorrow; the week has passed by all too quickly. I've relished the time we've all been at home, despite the arguments, mess and normal family upsets. As the boys grow older, each season when everyone is home… Continue reading Christmas – 2019
Mothering through the seasons 